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Zimbabwe forecasts strong growth of 7.8% in 2021

Published

4 years ago

July 30, 2021

HARARE – Zimbabwe’s economy is now expected to grow by 7.8% in 2021 from an initial forecast of 7.4%, driven by moderating inflation, higher commodity prices and better agriculture harvest, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said on Thursday.

After two years of recession due to drought and effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, Zimbabwe is expected to record its highest maize output since 1984 while a rally in global commodity prices is seen easing foreign currency shortages.

The southern African country has battled bouts of hyperinflation and currency collapse in the past two decades, but year-on-year inflation is now at its lowest since March 2019 and Ncube said the rate was seen slowing further to between 22% and 35% by the end of this year.

Workers’ unions, however, say although inflation is moderating, salaries still lag behind and are demanding monthly pay equivalent to $500, more than double the average wage.

The World Bank, which expects lower growth, estimates that nearly half the 15 million population live in extreme poverty.

Analysts say the recovery will remain fragile without outside support.

Ncube said Zimbabwe’s external debt stood at $10.5 billion as of December 2020 and the country would start clearing some arrears this year but did not give details.

He expected diaspora remittances to increase to $1.3 billion this year from $1 billion in 2020. – Reuters

National

Zimbabwe roads claim 24 lives over Heroes holiday

Published

46 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A total of 24 people lost their lives on Zimbabwe’s roads during the 2025 Heroes and Defence Forces holidays, according to statistics released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

The police reported 196 road traffic accidents, 13 of which were fatal, between August 11 and 13. This represents a significant increase from the previous year’s figures, which saw 149 accidents and eight fatalities.

Reckless driving, mechanical faults, speeding, and overtaking errors were cited as major causes of the accidents.

Two major accidents occurred during the period, including a fatal crash on the Mutare-Masvingo Road that claimed the lives of six Zion Christian Church congregants. Another accident on the Bindura-Shamva Road resulted in four fatalities and 17 injuries.

The police have urged motorists to prioritize vehicle maintenance, avoid speeding and reckless overtaking, and adhere to road rules and regulations to prevent further loss of life.

In the community

Dete teen convicted for theft

Published

55 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A Dete teenager has been convicted of breaking into a local shop and stealing goods and cash worth US$131.

Artwell Ncube, 18, of Lupote in Dete, was found guilty of aggravated unlawful entry by the Hwange Magistrates Court.

According to court records, Ncube used an unknown object to open the locked shop door between May 20 and 25, 2025. Once inside, he stole groceries, airtime, and US$50 in cash.

The shop owner unexpectedly returned to the premises on May 25 at midnight and found Ncube inside. The teenager fled, leaving some stolen items behind.

A subsequent police investigation led to Ncube’s arrest. Property worth US$31 was recovered.

Ncube was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, which was fully suspended on condition that he repays ZWG3 516.04 to the complainant within six months and performs 110 hours of community service at Lupote Clinic which he started on Wednesday.

In the community

Nightclub nightmare: Nkayi woman stabs man in brutal attack

Published

1 hour ago

August 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 29-year-old Nkayi woman has escaped jail time after being convicted of assault for stabbing a man with a broken beer bottle during a violent altercation at a nightclub.

The incident occurred end of last month, at around 11 pm, when the victim, a 26-year-old man from Cowdray Park, was playing snooker with a friend.

The offender’s aunt caught the attention of the victim’s friend, provoking the offender, who struck the victim on the arm with an empty beer bottle.

The victim attempted to flee, but the offender pursued him, stabbing him once in the back with a broken beer bottle. The victim was left unconscious and rushed to Nkayi District Hospital, where he remains under medical care.

The Nkayi Magistrates’ Court sentenced the offender to 15 months’ imprisonment, suspending three months for five years on condition of good behavior.

The remaining 12 months were wholly suspended on the condition she performs 420 hours of community service.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe has urged people to resolve disputes peacefully, emphasizing that violence has no place in communities.